**Cyprus Unveils €610 Million Plan to Rebuild Livestock Sector**
The Cypriot government has announced a comprehensive twelve-year plan aimed at revitalizing the country’s livestock sector, following a devastating outbreak of foot and mouth disease that resulted in the culling of over 84,000 animals. The plan, which amounts to €610.9 million, was presented on Friday at the presidential palace by a scientific committee led by Stavros Malas.
Malas emphasized that the outbreak highlighted pre-existing issues within the livestock sector rather than creating new ones. He stated, “This is why we cannot simply return livestock farming to where it was before the crisis.” The committee's findings revealed that the outbreak severely impacted various livestock units: 104 sheep and goat farms lost 56,632 animals, 14 cattle units lost 3,018 animals, and three pig farms lost 24,483 animals.
To date, the government has compensated farmers a total of €17,288,069, which includes advance payments and support for lost milk and feed. The average compensation amounts to €206 per sheep or goat, €1,636 per cow, and €111 per pig.
The proposed plan allocates the largest share of funding, approximately €372.225 million, to sheep and goat farming. The goal is to double milk production over the next twelve years through improved breeding and management practices rather than merely increasing livestock numbers. Additionally, €134 million is designated for cattle farming, focusing on creating a smaller but more productive herd, establishing fifty new units, and enhancing beef production.
Other significant allocations include €41 million for biosecurity measures and fencing, and €63.7 million for scientific and technical support, including genetic testing. As an immediate response, the committee has proposed an emergency package worth €30 million, which encompasses the establishment of ten calf fattening units, ten lamb and kid fattening units, and support for farmers who may need to relocate or exit the industry.
Much of the funding for this ambitious plan is expected to be sourced from the European Union’s next common agricultural policy programme, which is set to commence in 2028. Malas has suggested that Cyprus seek additional support from the European Commission, particularly due to the unique challenges posed by the island’s division, which he argues increases the sector's vulnerability to disease.
President Nikos Christodoulides acknowledged the necessity for national funds to complement the EU contributions, although the exact balance between the two sources has yet to be determined. The projected cost of the new plan significantly surpasses the €91.5 million in public support that the sector has received over the past decade.
The livestock breeders’ union has expressed cautious optimism regarding the plan, highlighting the importance of actual fund disbursement. A representative stated, “We like Malas’ proposals very much, but farmers must actually get the funds that they have proposed.”
Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis remarked that Cyprus is entering a new era of livestock management, which will include mandatory vaccinations for all cloven-hoofed animals. He stated, “We are discussing the livestock farming we want to have in the coming years, better organized, with stronger biosecurity, greater productive resilience, and better prepared against future crises.”
A key finding of the committee's report indicated that the dense clustering of farms exacerbated the spread of the disease, with 84 of the 121 affected units located in crowded livestock zones. To mitigate this risk, the committee has proposed a minimum distance of 300 meters between independent holdings and has identified 360 potential sites on state land for relocation, along with 130 larger sites within existing zones.
Malas noted that farmers whose facilities comply with future location and biosecurity requirements would be prioritized to resume production. Some are expected to restart operations between November and December, provided there are no further disease outbreaks. However, the committee acknowledged that not all affected farmers, particularly older producers and those operating on a smaller scale, may choose to return to the industry after the compulsory culling.
The report also advocates for the consolidation of smaller farms in overcrowded areas, with some expected to merge with neighboring units to meet new regulatory requirements. The agriculture department is preparing new regulations to enhance oversight of state land utilized for livestock.
Malas pointed out that the meat production chain in Cyprus remains underdeveloped compared to the dairy sector, highlighting a “shadow trade” in animals between the occupied north and government-controlled areas. He underscored the importance of maintaining a reliable supply of quality milk for halloumi production, one of Cyprus’s most valuable exports, which will face increasing demands from European buyers regarding biosecurity, animal welfare, and environmental standards.
The government’s plan represents a significant step towards rebuilding the livestock sector, addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability in the face of recent challenges.